Director of Marketing and Communications

Organization Summary 

Project Sunshine’s mission is to bring the healing power of play to children with medical needs through trained and dedicated volunteers Our programs include in-person play with patients (Here to Play), curated activity kit deliveries (Kits for Play), and live, virtual play sessions (TelePlay). 

Over 18,000 trained volunteers deliver programs that provide opportunities for creative expression, socialization, intellectual stimulation, and sensory integration to more than 200,000 pediatric patients and families each year. Our unique volunteer engagement model allows community groups, colleges, and corporations to create moments of connection with pediatric patients, caregivers, and families providing child and family-centered, play-based programming. Project Sunshine partners with 500 medical facilities across the U.S. and in three international locations. 

Position Description 

The Director of Marketing and Communications provides the vision for and oversees the brand positioning and internal and external communications for Project Sunshine. With a recently updated brand identity and clear organizational voice, the Director will have the opportunity leverage Project Sunshine’s international impact, 25+ year longevity and significant organizational accomplishments so that our recognition level matches our achievements. 

The Director will join a passionate and energetic Project Sunshine team, at a time of organizational growth. They will be a highly motivated and diplomatic leader who will play an important role in expanding an organization that brings support to thousands of vulnerable children and their family members. 

Responsibilities 

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Marketing and Communications will serve as a key and collaborative member of the leadership team, playing a crucial role in the institution’s growth. They will: 

• With an entrepreneurial mindset, set and implement a broad strategy to communicate with multiple constituencies including volunteers, hospital and non-profit partners, patients and families, donors, social media followers and prospective members of all these groups.
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to newsletters, brochures, and Project Sunshine’s website
• Track and measure the effectiveness of communications with various audiences
• Shape Project Sunshine’s online voice and visual presence to engage a wider audience on our various social media channels

Branding and Public Relations 

• Spearhead Project Sunshine’s annual Summer Solstice campaign engaging all stakeholders in a day of awareness and fundraising 
• Collaborate on strategic brand partnerships with partners like PepsiCo and Michaels 
• Identify opportunities to raise awareness in press and media 
• Seek ways for Project Sunshine staff to present and participate at sector-wide conferences 
• Manage and promote celebrity talent who are passionate about Project Sunshine 

Strategic Planning and Marketing 

• As the organization’s expert on communications and marketing, partner with leadership team colleagues on strategies to various constituencies such as: Director of Programs to create effective communication plans through a variety of mediums to deepen volunteer, patient, hospital, and non-profit connections to Project Sunshine 
• Director of Programs to raise the profile of international programs domestically and standardize branding internationally 
• Director of Development to polish appeals, invitations and campaigns 
• Director of Corporate Partnerships on pitch-decks and other collateral to corporate donors 
• Design plans to market Project Sunshine to new audiences of prospective volunteers, donors and partners and patient populations. 

Staff Management 

• Recruit and manage Social Media Coordinator and part-time Digital Media Coordinator 
• Be a player/coach with a positive and accessible presence 
• Set high standards for professionalism, work product, and collegiality and hold staff accountable for maintaining them 

Required Qualifications 

• A seasoned professional whose experience includes increasing scope and responsibility, with a preference for those who have spent time in a non-profit setting 
• A record of developing creative and authentic voice on behalf of an organization 
• Strong understanding of social media and how it can be leveraged in an overall communications strategy 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and clear, engaging communication style 
• Integrity, a positive attitude and entrepreneurial work style 
• Sound understanding of communication best practices, including collegial partnerships with development departments 
• Experience with project management, setting priorities and developing and meeting timelines 
• Ability to understand individual, institutional, and cultural nuances 
• Bachelor’s degree 
• Ability to travel domestically, work evenings and weekends as needed 
• Familiarity with Hubspot and Salesforce are a plus 
• Passion for volunteerism, supporting pediatric patients and translating Project Sunshine’s mission to large audience